5 Best Baitcasting Fishing Reels

Small in hand but large in durability, dependability and performance, the Shimano Curado MGL 70 K Baitcast Reel is a addition to Shimano’s coveted line of Curado low-profile reels. The reel’s lightweight MGL Spool requires less start-up energy due to decreased inertia and results in longer casts with reduced effort. This advanced feature also allows the reel to excel for anglers fishing with finesses baits, such as handmade balsa baits, or lures that require light line for maximum fishability. The new Curado MGL 70 K is a great reel choice for anglers pitching and flipping in tight cover when increased line capacity is not required. But anglers shouldn’t be concerned about its compact size when fighting fish in close quarters or heavy cover, the Curado MGL 70 K is equipped with a Cross Carbon Drag to provide the needed stopping power against large fish. And just like the rest of the Curado family of reels, the versatile Curado MGL 70 K features MicroModule Gear for enhanced smoothness as well as a HAGANE Body for increased rigidity and durability for years of fishing performance.

Features

• HAGANE Body
• MGL Spool II
• MicroModule Gear
• SVS Infinity
• CI4+ (Side Plate)
• Cross Carbon Drag

The battle tested Lexa line has been upgraded and reintroduced- the all new Daiwa Lexa HD. The features that have made the Lexa a staple in markets across the country have been supplemented and upgraded to offer the ultimate in heavy duty performance. An all new upgraded Clutch System has been beefed up specifically to handle the rigors of big bait fishing. A new All Grease Bearing System keeps the reel running smooth and silent without sacrificing freespool or distance. Complete with Stainless Steel Drive Gear & Pinion Gear, Aluminum Frame and Side Plate, and an Extended Counterbalanced Handle for maximum power and torque. Additionally, the 300 size has a redesigned frame for an added level of compactness and palmability. The Lexa HD you have come to know and love- upgraded.

Features

• Redesigned Heavy Duty Clutch System
• All Grease Bearing System
• Stainless Steel Drive Gear & Pinion Gear
• 7 Bearing System (6CRBB +1RB)
• EVA Custom Handle Knob
• Ultimate Tournament carbon drag (UTD) with up to 25lbs of drag
• Swept Handle with weight-reducing cutouts
• Handle length: 300 size 100mm, 400 size 120mm
• Aluminum frame and side plate (gear side)
• Magforce Cast Control

The original Lew’s Speed Spool Baitcast Reel set the bar for performance in the $99 class of reels. However, the new and improved Speed Spool LFS just destroyed that bar with a sledge hammer. Featuring a new frame design to fit your hand with ease, high-strength solid brass Speed Gears and a P2 Super Pinion gear for smoother operation and extended gear life, the Speed Spool LFS just received a heavy-duty upgrade at the same great price.

Features

• One-piece aluminum frame with easily removable graphite palming sideplate
• Drilled, machined and anodized aluminum 34mm spool. SS1SA features high capacity dimpled spool
• High strength solid brass Speed Gears, cut on precision Hamai CNC machines
• P2 Super Pinion bearing supported pinion gear
• Premium 10-bearing system with stainless steel double shielded bearings and Zero Reverse one-way clutch
• Externally adjustable Magnetic Control System (MCS)
• Anodized aluminum spool tension adjustment knob
• Durable Rulon drag system, provides up to 15lbs. of drag power
• Bowed 95mm aluminum cranking handle with Lew’s custom
• SoftTouch contoured paddle handle knobs
• New oversized bowed audible click drag star
• Zirconia line guide
• External lube port

Built on Lew’s SLP Super Low Profile platform, the Custom Pro speed spool is compact, powerful and loaded. It is Lew’s lowest profile design ever, weighs only 5.8 ounces, sits super low on the reel seat and provides unmatched balance. Made possible by SLP cutting-edge engineering, styling and performance, the Team Lew’s Custom Pro is 10 percent smaller than traditional Speed Spools, yet has all of the top-of-the-line features.

Features

• 11 Bearing System with stainless steel double shielded ball bearings
• Zero Reverse one-way clutch bearing
• C45 Carbon sideplates
• Aircraft-grade double anodized Duralumin drilled and chamfered U-shape 32mm spool
• QuietCast Externally Adjustable Centrifugal Brake System
• Hard anodized aluminum alloy Speed Gears, precision cut on Hamai CNC machines with P2 SuperPinion bearing supported pinion gear
• Patented retractable Speed Keeper hook keeper allows you to secure lures and Texas rigged baits without scratching your reel
• Patented Speed dial line indicator allows for easy identification of line type and pound test

The Shimano SLX DC Baitcast Reel is built on the same compact, sturdy, and versatile platform as the popular SLX bait casting reel, with the addition of Shimano’s unique DC Braking technology.  The SLX DC puts no-compromise casting performance within every angler's reach. Intelligent Digital Control braking system with an easy to use, 4 modes can be set using the external dial for Max Distance, Braided/Mono line, Fluorocarbon line and Skipping for you to place the lure at those hard to reach places. This will allow anglers to fish a wide variety of lures, in any conditions, with minimal adjustment to the reel. I-DC4 reads various situation changes from casting to arrival of lure at target spot through the reading of the spool's rotation and makes fine adjustments to the brake accordingly

Features

• I-DC4 Braking System
• Super Free Spool
• Hagane Body
• 4+1 Bearings
• 7.6 oz